Your library, the AARP Tax-Aide Program and Entergy are working together to make filing your taxes — and getting your earned income tax credit (if applicable) — easier!

Thanks to a grant from Entergy, the Armstrong Library will once again have a computer reserved for individuals filing personal income taxes. Also, through the grant, printed pages of tax returns will be discounted, and those waiting in line to be assisted by AARP counselors will have fresh cookies and regular and decaf coffee available.

The AARP Tax-Aide Program is hosted by your local public library, the Judge George W. Armstrong Library, located at 220 South Commerce St.in downtown Natchez. Program counselors will be here on Wednesdays, from 9 to 5, beginning Feb. 1 through April 11. People needing tax assistance will be served on a first-come, first-served basis and should arrive before 3 p.m. in order to complete their returns by 5, when the library closes.

You may be eligible for an earned income tax credit. Many workers overlook a special federal tax credit because they don’t know about it. As a result, they could miss out on up to $5,751 extra in their federal income tax refunds through the EITC. Last year, on average, the credit boosted refunds for eligible workers by $2,100. Anyone earning $49,078 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2011 should see if they qualify. Eligible workers must file federal income tax returns — even if they are not required to file — and specifically must claim the credit to get it.

Many people will qualify for the first time this year due to economic changes in their income or changes in their marital or parental statuses according to the IRS. The agency estimates four out of five eligible workers currently claim their EITC. AARP Counselors will be here to assist you with EITC.

Before you come to the library and wait in line to be assisted, please make certain you have the necessary information! In order to expedite the process, there are items you will need in order for the AARP Tax-Aide Program Counselors to assist you with your tax return:

4Photo proof of identification

4Social Security cards for yourself, your spouse and all dependents or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration

4Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return

4Wage and earning statement(s): All documents defining your income (W-2s, 1099s — INT, DIV, MISC), Social Security benefits statement (SSA 1099)

4Copies of prior-year federal and state returns, if available

4Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of refunds

4Other relevant information about income and expenses. If you plan to itemize, you will need to bring supporting evidence for those deductions you plan to claim (these items need to be in reasonable order and legible)

4Amounts paid for day care, if applicable, and the day care provider’s identifying number.

Both spouses must be present to sign joint returns. The Armstrong Library is pleased to host the AARP Tax-Aide program each year and is thankful, once again, for the Entergy grant, which makes tax filing easier and more enjoyable!

I know that “enjoyable” is not a term most people use when filing taxes. It can be a maddening, frustrating, exasperating chore, and many people put it off as long as possible.

Come to your library and let trained counselors guide you through the steps, while you nibble on a cookie and sip your coffee — and hopefully await your tax refund! And, if you feel up to the task yourself, use our dedicated computer to file your taxes. We have Federal and State forms — for both Mississippi and Louisiana.

 

Susan Cassagne is the director of the Armstrong Library.